CVE-2019-9199 in PoDoFo
Summary
by MITRE
PoDoFo::Impose::PdfTranslator::setSource() in pdftranslator.cpp in PoDoFo 0.9.6 has a NULL pointer dereference that can (for example) be triggered by sending a crafted PDF file to the podofoimpose binary. It allows an attacker to cause Denial of Service (Segmentation fault) or possibly have unspecified other impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9199 resides within the PoDoFo library version 0.9.6, specifically within the PdfTranslator component located in the pdftranslator.cpp file. This flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference that occurs during the execution of the setSource() method, which is part of the PoDoFo::Impose namespace. The vulnerability represents a critical security issue that can be exploited through the manipulation of input PDF files processed by the podofoimpose binary, which is a command-line tool designed for PDF imposition operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and null pointer checking within the PdfTranslator implementation. When the podofoimpose binary processes a specially crafted PDF file, the setSource() method fails to properly validate whether the source pointer is NULL before attempting to dereference it. This fundamental flaw in defensive programming creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can construct a malicious PDF document that, when processed by the vulnerable software, triggers a segmentation fault. The vulnerability is classified as a NULL pointer dereference, which is categorized under CWE-476 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing a well-known software weakness pattern that leads to system instability and potential denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9199 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors within the context of the ATT&CK framework's execution and privilege escalation categories. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause the podofoimpose binary to crash with a segmentation fault, effectively rendering the application unusable and preventing legitimate PDF imposition operations from completing successfully. The broader implications include potential service disruption for systems that rely on PoDoFo for PDF processing tasks, particularly in environments where automated PDF handling is critical. Organizations using the affected software may experience operational downtime, workflow interruptions, and potential data processing failures that could affect business continuity and document management processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that have patched the NULL pointer dereference issue. System administrators should also implement input validation measures that filter and sanitize PDF files before processing them through the podofoimpose binary. Additionally, deploying application-level sandboxing techniques and restricting execution privileges of the podofofoimpose utility can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and defensive programming practices in security-critical software components, particularly in libraries that handle untrusted input data such as PDF documents. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against vulnerable systems.